In post-apocalypse London in the year 2054 there is an eccentric band of people who survived the disaster only to find themselves living in what can only be considered a shadow of their former world. They have to hunt for food and other supplies to survive. They are in for a surprise when one of them discovers eggs that belong to intelligent and angry fire-breathing dragons. Now they are forced to engage in a battle with the beasts utilizing such artillery as tanks, rocket launchers, and helicopter gunners.
When I first saw the trailer for this film a couple of months ago it looked like it could be some brainless summer fun with a better than average cast that includes Matthew McConaughey (Frailty), Christian Bale (American Psycho), and Izabella Scorupco (Vertical Limit). The casting of Bale particularly intrigued me since this will be his first high profile role since the controversial American Psycho made him an actor to watch for in 2000. The supporting cast includes Gerard Butler (Dracula 2000) and Alexander Siddig who appeared in Vertical Limit with Scorupco. With a solid cast in order, the only remaining factor that may worry the prospective moviegoer is that there hasn't been a good dragon movie since Dragonheart in 1996. Other films such as Dungeons and Dragons have been absolutely dreadful experiences to sit through you can't blame someone for being just a little skeptical of this film. Fortunately, Reign of Fire delivers on its promises and ends up being a fun thrill ride with some great special effects and above average acting for a film of its type.
Director Rob Bowman (The X-Files movie) is smart enough a director and is working from an amiable script by Greg Chabot, Kevin Peterka, and Matt Greenberg to set up the somewhat outlandish plot with aplomb and some degree of suspense even though one knows what will happen. Once that duty is done he goes on to deliver the action goods while also informing the audience of all the necessary plot points such as how they plan to kill the dragons and what skilled hunters the dragons are. He sets up the action sequences perfectly as they are visceral and suspenseful at the same time. The solid special effects for the dragons helps immensely in this department as one doesn't want to suspend disbelief more than they have to with such a film.
In the acting department, the film's cast does well in their roles with Bale and McConaughey getting the meatier characters and therefore standing slightly above the others. Basically, the actors do what their roles ask of them with skill and avoid making their characters seem more like human cartoons.
Overall, Reign of Fire is the perfect summer film because it's filled with the special effects and action we've come to expect and it also ably tells an interesting story.
Rating: 87
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